NAS Synology DiskStation DS419slim RAID Arrays: Data Recovery Techniques for Natural Component Wear

Contents

• Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?
• How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?
  • Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery
  • Safe recovery from disk images
  • Where are user’s files stored?
  • Comparison of software for RAID recovery

Why can’t ordinary software tools restore files from RAID?

Conventional hard disks keep user’s data by writing it to their surface in a consecutive way, and this is how an entire file is stored on a single hard disk. However, when data is written to a RAID system, a file is divided into several parts. Then these parts are written consecutively to all hard disks within such array. The size of such parts may range from 2 KB to 2 MB, so each file is stored on several hard disks at the same time.

Such approach helps to speed up read and write operations, and it is evident that saving two parts of a file having the size of 1 GB to two hard disks simultaneously is much faster than saving the same 1 GB of data to one hard disk. However, this peculiarity makes file recovery more complicated.

Various RAID levels store information in different ways. Additionally, manufacturers like Synology also introduce some modifications to this process, and that is why data can be written to hard disk in a wide variety of ways.

Can the use of specific backup and recovery strategies help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Synology DiskStation DS419slim devices?

Yes, the use of specific backup and recovery strategies can help reduce potential data loss risks on NAS Synology DiskStation DS419slim devices. Here are some strategies you can implement:

1. Regular backups: Set up a regular backup schedule to create copies of your important data stored on the NAS device. This can be done using Synology's built-in backup applications like Hyper Backup or third-party backup software.
2. Off-site backups: Store a copy of your data off-site, preferably in a different physical location. This can be achieved by using cloud backup services or by replicating data to another Synology NAS located elsewhere.
3. RAID configuration: Utilize the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) feature available on the DS419slim to create a fault-tolerant storage setup. RAID configurations like RAID 1 or RAID 5 can provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures.
4. Snapshot technology: Take advantage of Synology's snapshot technology to create point-in-time copies of your data. Snapshots can help recover files or folders in case of accidental deletions or modifications.
5. Data scrubbing: Enable data scrubbing on the DS419slim to detect and correct any silent data corruption or errors on the drives. This feature helps maintain data integrity and reduce the risk of data loss.
6. UPS integration: Connect the DS419slim to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect it from power outages or surges. Sudden power loss can lead to data corruption or device failure.
7. Regular firmware updates: Keep the NAS device's firmware up to date to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. This helps protect against potential vulnerabilities that could result in data loss.

Remember, no backup strategy is foolproof, so it's essential to regularly test your backups and ensure they are working correctly. Additionally, following best practices for data security, such as using strong passwords, enabling encryption, and restricting access to the NAS, can further reduce data loss risks.

How to take hard disks out of the NAS and connect them to a PC?

Although NAS DiskStation DS419slim can be accessed over the network, you still need to take the hard disks out of the storage device and connect them to a Windows computer. Only in this case will the software be able to scan them properly. Here is what you should do:

1. Turn off the storage and disconnect it from the power supply.

   WARNING! Before you start taking hard disks out of your NAS device, read the manual carefully. Incorrect actions may damage your network-attached storage and/or the hard disks within the RAID system.

2. Take the hard disks out of the NAS one by one, carefully removing them from their slots. Remember that the disks are extremely vulnerable: hitting or dropping them may result in serious physical damage.

3. Make sure to mark each hard disk in accordance with how they were installed inside the NAS.

4. Remove the hard disks and connect them to the computer. In this video, we have explored what ports are used to connect hard disks, and what to do if there are not enough ports or connectors.

   Go to view

   

   How to Order Remote Data Recovery

Restoring data with Hetman RAID Recovery

This program recovers data from damaged RAID arrays and is fully compatible with Synology DiskStation DS419slim. The hard disks that make up the RAID contain technical information about the algorithm used to save files. When launched, Hetman RAID Recovery reads this information and puts the damaged array together. Then you can open the disk and save your files. Also, you can recover the files accidentally deleted from the network drive.

Go to view

How to recover data from a Synology

DiskStation DS419slim has 4 HDD slots, and it supports the following array types:

• Synology Hybrid RAID (SHR);
• RAID 6;
• RAID 5;
• RAID 10;
• RAID 1;
• RAID 0;
• Basic;
• JBOD;

NAS supports:

• Btrfs;
• EXT4;
• EXT3 (External Disk Only);
• FAT32 (External Disk Only);
• exFAT (External Disk Only);
• NTFS (External Disk Only);
• HFS+ (External Disk Read Only);

Safe recovery from disk images

This utility lets you save an entire copy of the disk to file and then work with this image instead of the actual disk. Such feature helps to protect data on the disk from:

• Overwriting during the recovery process;
• Loss resulting from bad sectors;
• User mistakes.

To create an image, do the following:

1. Make sure that you have enough free space to save the image. The image file size usually equals the disk size.

2. Select the disk in the main window, and choose from the menu Tools – Save Disk. You can select multiple disks to be saved.

3. When the image creation wizard starts, you can choose to save the entire disk or select only a part of it. Specify the parameters and click Next.

   

4. At this stage, you need to choose a directory where to save the image. Choose any disk connected to this PC, or save the image by FTP.

   

Where are user’s files stored?

The Synology DiskStation DS419slim network-attached storage keeps DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system files on a separate RAID 1 (mirrored) array. Usually, all NAS systems create several volumes on every hard disk, and the first of them takes up to 2 Gb of space. This is where operating system files are stored. Other volumes are united into a RAID array where user’s data is written.

Comparison of software for RAID recovery